The "key player" from Stuttgart Gomez doubts himself

He has not hit for five games: the key player VfB Mario Gomez. Photo: Rolf VennenberndPhoto: Rolf Vennenbernd

Leverkusen Meanwhile, not even Mario Gomez is convinced by Mario Gomez. If nothing helps, then maybe "someone else has to play for me," said the striker of the cross-country club VfB Stuttgart the player.

It would not be a problem if he did not play: "I just want us to win.It's not about me." It seems clear: the exit from the VfB crisis probably only affects Gomez. But the veteran, former national and top scorer from the inauguration of Markus Weinzierl without any goals. And so the question arises: is it part of the problem or does the others fail?

In the 0-2 draw at Bayer Leverkusen, the 33-year-old had the best chance of VfB, but otherwise was barely visible. Andreas Beck, who became a champion with Gomez and VfB in 2007, sees the fault of himself and the other players. "Mario is our key player," said Beck, "but it's not one that picks up the balls in midfield and drowns everyone in. We have to do more to get it involved and show it."

Weinzierl, who was able to celebrate only three points and two goals as a Swabian coach in five games, apparently sees the lack of efficiency of the former top scorer of the Bundesliga as a problem. "Mario had 100% chance to score in every game," said the coach, adding appropriately: "The important thing is that he has opportunities. At some point, he will score again. ".

Gomez had announced before the game in Leverkusen: "Every team needs a marker that makes the stalls, I usually are – and I'll be back." The question is when.

The sporting director Michael Reschke wanted after the match "do not go in individual criticism". But he remarked: "We did not play scoring opportunities to win a game." Reschke is hoping for the quick return of Daniel Didavi and Anastasios Donis: "These are two key players in the offensive, we miss them, with them, we will have an aggression and a very different strength in the offensive." Gomez at least can not solve it alone.

Meanwhile, the situation for VfB is becoming increasingly critical. "Now we have to score points by Christmas, so we can keep the class as safe as possible in the second part of the season," said Reschke. And Beck has also given the motto: "We must see that we remain at a surprising distance until the winter break".